HS Code for Printer
Printers are classified under HTS heading 8443. A printer that connects to a computer or network — the typical inkjet or laser printer — points toward 8443.32, while a multifunction machine that prints, copies and faxes points toward 8443.31. Other printing machinery that does not connect to an ADP machine points toward 8443.39, and printer parts and accessories toward 8443.99. These goods are duty-free, so the main task is identifying the right subheading by whether the machine connects to a computer and whether it is single- or multifunction.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8443.32.10.90 | Printers capable of connecting to an ADP machine or network — other Inkjet and laser printers that connect to a computer or network | Free |
| 8443.32.50.00 | Other machines capable of connecting to an ADP machine or network Other ADP-connectable printing/output machines | Free |
| 8443.31.00.00 | Machines which perform two or more of the functions of printing, copying or faxing, capable of connecting to an ADP machine or network Multifunction printers (print/scan/copy/fax) | Free |
| 8443.39.60.00 | Other printing machinery — other Other printers/copiers not connectable to ADP machines | Free |
| 8443.39.90.00 | Other printing/copying machinery — other Other printing and copying machines | Free |
| 8443.99.10.00 | Accessory and auxiliary machines intended for attachment to printing machinery Printer accessory/auxiliary machines | Free |
| 8443.99.20.50 | Parts and accessories of printers — other Printer parts and consumable units (e.g., cartridges, print heads) | Free |
Printers are associated with heading 8443 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers printing machinery and machines that print, copy or fax, along with their parts. For the consumer and office printers most people mean by 'printer,' the key questions are whether the machine connects to a computer or network and whether it performs more than one function.
A single-function printer that is capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network — the standard inkjet or laser printer — points toward 8443.32. A machine that performs two or more of the functions of printing, copying or faxing and connects to an ADP machine or network — a multifunction printer or all-in-one office machine — points toward 8443.31.
Printing machinery that does not connect to an ADP machine, including certain stand-alone copiers and industrial printing equipment, points toward 8443.39. Parts and accessories — including auxiliary machines for attachment to printers and consumable units such as cartridges and print heads — point toward 8443.99.
All of these lines are duty-free, reflecting Information Technology Agreement coverage of printing and imaging equipment. As a result, identifying the precise subheading matters most for accurate statistical reporting. A practical note: the connectivity question (whether the machine can connect to a computer or network) is what separates 8443.31/8443.32 from 8443.39, so it is worth confirming for each model.
Printers and their parts under heading 8443 enter the United States duty-free at a 0% general rate. This covers single-function ADP-connectable printers (8443.32), multifunction print/copy/fax machines (8443.31), other printing machinery (8443.39), and parts and accessories including cartridges and print heads (8443.99). Because the duty is free, the reason to identify the correct subheading is accurate statistical reporting. As with other electronics, separate trade measures can apply to equipment from certain origins, independent of the free regular rate.